On August 21, 2017, Sedgwick and all of Kansas will be in thepath of a solar eclipse. This special event is being called “The Great American Solar Eclipse,” because it is the first time since 1918 a solar eclipse will be visible on a path across the entire continental United States. Sedgwick will be in the 93% totality range for this event making it a great educational experience for our students.

Like many districts, planning is underway to ensure our students can safely experience thisrare event. Sedgwick Public Schools will provide eclipse-safe viewing solar glasses for all students and staff. These glasses provide a safe viewing of the eclipse. Students will be allowed to keep the Solar Glasses, which can also be used to see sunspots and solar flares.

Safety is always a top priority for Sedgwick Public Schools. Students will not be permitted to look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through unfiltered cameras, telescopes, binoculars, sunglasses, or other optical devices, with or without glasses. The solar glasses acquired by the school district are ISO certified and recommended by NASA.

A permission/Opt Out form is being sent home with students, Thursday August 17, 2017. Before Monday, please fill out the form indicating if you wish for your child to partake in the short viewing of the eclipse or if you prefer they do not partake. If this form is not returned to your child’s school before Monday, the child will not be allowed to partake in the viewing (one form per student).

We do not want our students to miss this rare event, but students and staff are expected to follow safety procedures. Your child(ren) can experience the eclipse safely, but it is vital that they protect their eyes at all times with the proper solar filters.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact any of our school offices.

The Sedgwick Recreation Commission is seeking volunteers to fill two open positions. One is an at-large position (must live within USD 439 district boundaries) and one is a city-appointed position (must live within the Sedgwick city limits). Applications are available at Sedgwick City Hall.

The Sedgwick Recreation Commission makes possible many activities for our community, including summer baseball, youth basketball, a well-equipped fitness center and a July 4th fireworks celebration. Please consider volunteering for one of these important positions!

Credit/Debit Cards

E-N-C-H-A-N-T-M-E-N-T

Daniel Young (5th grade) correctly spelled the 152nd word in the spelling bell correctly, which was “enchantment”, thus becoming the 2017 R. L. Wright Elementary School Spelling Bee Champion. Daniel will advance to participate in the Harvey County Spelling Bee, which will be held on February 1st at 1:00 p.m. here at Sedgwick. Ahmya Glover (also in 5th grade) is our 2017 Runner Up. We are proud of you both!!!

(Shae Ware breaks for the basket in game one against Trinity
- Photo courtesy of Ann Schrick)

Tuesday marked the first night of the 37th annual girls’ invitational tournament here in Sedgwick. With the 2017 girl’s tournament comes a new name for the event that comes from an important page of Cardinal history. Steve Shepherd was employed at USD 439 in August 1976. During his 45+ years working with Sedgwick students, Coach Shepherd was known for his devotion and compassion for his students and athletes. Mr. Shepherd was the head girls’ basketball coach when the first annual tournament was held at Sedgwick in 1981. In honor of our long-term coach, teacher, and friend, the USD 439 Board of Education renamed this annual tradition. The tournament is now theSteve Shepherd Invitational Girls’ Tournament.

Lisa Matson receives Golden Apple Award

Sedgwick's very own Lisa Matson, kindergarten teacher at R.L. Wright Elementary was presented the Golden Apple Award from KAKE-TV on Wednesday. What a wonderful and well-deserved honor. We are proud of Ms. Matson and are glad you are part of the USD 439 Team!

Secured Entrances

USD 439 is in the process of developing procedures for the controlled entrances. We ask that you be patient with us as we work through this process. Visitors can "buzz-in" using the monitors located at the main entrances in both buildings.

R.L. Wright Elementary Entrance

Sedgwick High School Main Entrance

Discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or religion in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in the district's programs and activities is prohibited. Harassment of an individual on any of these grounds is also prohibited. The Superintendent, 400 W. 4th, P.O. Box K, Sedgwick, Kansas 67135, 316/772-5783, has been designated to coordinate compliance with nondiscrimination requirements contained in Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Information concerning the provisions of these Acts, and the rights provided thereunder, are available from the compliance coordinator.